DEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held at The Institute on Thursday, 31August 2000.
The Chairman, Councillor P M Dilks, presided over Councillors D Abel, J B Anderson, R J Auger, A M Chambers, S W Fisk, P J Hill, K P Shinkins, J D Stevens, A Thompson, G E Walker, M Warrick and the Clerk.
There being no members of the public, no items were raised.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bulmer-Jones, Lewis and Watkins.
The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 27 July 2000, having been circulated beforehand, were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman after amendments to section 8.3 (Councillor Dilks in place of Councillor Warrick on line 4) and section 10.2 (correction of spelling of Councillor Abel on line 1).
Councillor Hill volunteered the services of her husband in erecting these seats which Councillor Fisk will then set into the ground. Plaques will be provided for the seats if there is any budget left after installation costs. A Queen Mother Centenary Oak is to be donated by the Scouts for the Wood.
Councillor Auger requested clarification on the exactly what the grant application hoped to achieve, assuming it was successful, as he was still concerned that no provision was being made for BMX style cyclists. The Clerk confirmed that the application was to re-surface the playground to provide a smooth and level surface which could then be used for a number of activities. There were no plans within the application for any permanent structures which would be beneficial to only one type of activity, rather this was the first stage to provide a safe and secure environment which could be further developed.
It was agreed that although are already BMX style facilities in Market Deeping it is now urgent to ensure that children in this part of the community also have somewhere to skate and cycle. The Clerk will approach S.K.D.C. to see whether it is possible for them to create some BMX humps in the Hereward Play Area but it was confirmed that there was no hope of using the playground, due to its current condition, in the meantime. Councillor Auger will attend the next Youth Management Committee meeting with Councillor Dilks.
The Clerk reported that S.K.D.C. had indicated that they would carry out the paving works if the Council was prepared to wait until other similar works were planned for this area. This offer was accepted.
Councillor Stevens confirmed that the sign was now ready and only required painting, which she volunteered to do. When it is ready for installation, Councillor Stevens will liase with Councillor Watkins.
The Police have agreed to pay passing attention to the general area to prevent anti-social behaviour by youths. Councillor Dilks reported that his meeting with the contractors concerning maintenance standards had resulted in a marked improvement. They have, however, requested more baskets for the litter and also permission to spray weed killer between the kerbstones in the old portion where it is too narrow for the strimmers to work effectively. It was agreed that the Clerk should obtain costs for two new litter baskets but concern was registered about spraying and possible effects on local cats and other wildlife. The Clerk was instructed to get further information from the contractors.
The invitation to attend the next Council meeting has been accepted.
Councillor Warrick was appointed the Council’s representative at this conference.
The Chairman reported that he, along with other Councillors, had met with a representative of Transco to discuss the works along the former A16. It was clear that the work had to be carried out on health and safety grounds but strong concern had been registered about the apparent lack of foresight and planning on Transco’s part. Transco has apologised for the inconvenience to residents and businesses and confirmed, in writing, that the carriageway will be left in the same condition as it was found when the works are completed.
Members agreed to write to the organisers congratulating them on an excellent event, which had clearly raised a great deal of money for charity as well as providing an enjoyable day out. The organisers will be asked to provide more litter bags at future events and to try to prevent spectators from throwing missiles in the river.
Councillor Lewis has suggested that it would be appropriate to first meet with the County Councillor, Peter Robinson, to chart the way forward before meeting with Railtrack. This suggestion was accepted and Councillor Robinson will be invited to attend the October Council meeting.
The Chairman apologised for not bringing the quotations for car stickers to the meeting. It was agreed to place this item on the next agenda.
The Clerk reported that the problems notified would be resolved by the County Council by mid-October. With regard to the new path on the north bank of the River Welland, no progress could be made on types of stile access and cutting arrangements until the Order had been confirmed and the path was on the Definitive Map. This has been slightly delayed due to difficulties in identifying the land owner of the section between Casey’s Corner and the railway crossing, although information provided by the Parish Council should soon resolve this.
The Chairman reported on a meeting he had attended at Market Deeping Town Hall on Post Bus services and was pleased to note that the P.A.T.A.C. was taking a lead in moving this forward. Councillor Anderson complained that he was not receiving his mail until 2pm and that this was highly unsatisfactory. The Clerk will refer the matter to the P.A.T.A.C.
The Chairman reported that he had received confirmation from S.K.D.C. of an application for an event at Frognall on 2 September 2000. He had spoken with as many members as possible and following these discussions, the Clerk had been asked to respond that the Council had no objection to the licence being granted subject to conditions regarding noise levels, access arrangements to avoid Frognall village and undertakings to leave the site and surrounding area entirely clean. Members approved this action.
Deeping St James has been successful in getting through to the final round of this competition; announcement of the winner will be in early September. All finalists are inviting to enter the Village of Year Competition and it was agreed that this parish would submit the necessary entry form.
The Clerk reported that the parish would not benefit from this scheme as S.K.D.C. had only felt able to support a bid for an estate in the Grantham area. Since the scheme was initially discussed it has transpired that the Council would, in any event, have had to support 50% of the cost the first three years and then 100% thereafter. As the scheme is expected to cost in the region of £18,000 per year it was agreed that it was unlikely that the Council would have made a bid in its own right.
The Clerk drew members’ attention to a grant scheme operated by the Police Authority for local projects and it was agreed to submit an application for assistance towards the recently installed C.C.T.V. camera and for traffic bollards for the Manor Way shopping area. The Rotary Club will also be approached with a view to possible grant assistance.
With effect from 1 October 2000, sessions will be transferred to the new Community Centre. A letter of thanks for the Parish Council’s support in providing facilities at The Institute from C.A.B. was read out.
Councillor Anderson advised that he had been appointed Chairman of Trustees for Deepings Community Centre and that he was also a director of the Deepings Community Trust Ltd. Although the lottery bid had been unsuccessful, the Centre would be opening at the beginning of October and members were invited to view the premises at the Open Days to be held on 1 & 2 September. There will be a variety of activities and facilities available and many local groups and organisations have shown interest in hiring rooms on a regular basis.
Members had no objection to the transfer of licence from Susan Patricia Macdonald and Andrew Spencer to Clare Margaret Bolton and Andrew Spencer.
The next meeting is due to be held on 5 September 2000 at Market Deeping Town hall but due to unavoidable prior commitments of representatives, the Clerk was ask to request the Town Council for an alternative date.
The Clerk reported that progress was slow but that the County Council were planning to meet with Eastern Arts in early September with regard to possible grant assistance for the project.
The latest progress report was made available to members.
Members were advised of a seminar to be held at Billingborough Village Hall on 20 September 2000.
A copy of this document, which forms the basis of the County Council’s strategy on transport issues for the next five years, was made available to members.
A copy of this report was made available to members.
The A.G.M. will be held on 15 September 2000 at Leasingham Village Hall.
The following planning applications were received and discussed by the Planning Committee at their meeting immediately preceding this Council meeting. The Committee’s observations and recommendations were discussed and unanimously accepted by the Council.
S00/0709 Mrs B Charity, Erection of dwelling (outline) on land to No objection.
38 Spalding Road rear of 38 Spalding Road.
S00/0710 Mr G G Charity, Erection of dwelling (outline) on land adj. No objection.
30 Spalding Road to 30 Spalding Road.
S00/0796 Mr Baskerfield, Extensions to dwelling. No objection.
11 Old Priory Farm
S00/0703 Blec Landscaping Ltd Erection of storage building. No objection.
Spalding Road
An appeal has been lodged with the Secretary of State for the Environment by Burmor Developments Ltd in respect of their application for outline approval for a residential development on land off Spalding Road between Crowfields and Frognall (S00/0478). The Parish Council continues to strongly object to this application, which is contrary to the Local Plan.
The following applications have been determined by the Planning Authority (S.K.D.C.) since the last Council meeting. Unless stated otherwise, the decisions are in accordance with the previously notified observations:
Approved
S00/0494 Mr T Copland, 179a Eastgate Erection of dwelling & garage on plot adj., to
5 Bluebells * Parish Council objected.
S00/0639 Mrs S Eves, 22 Horsegate Erection of conservatory.
S00/0696 Mr G R Johnson, 18 Campion Drive Erection of bungalow on land adj. to 30a Eastgate.
S00/0703 Mr T Robson, 64 Towning Close Extension to dwelling.
Refused
S99/1042 Mr B L Rogers, Llamedos, Back Lane Removal of occupancy condition. * On appeal to
Secretary of State for Environment.
S00/0667 Mr R Smith, 177 Eastgate Erection of dwelling (outline) on land adj. to
177 Eastgate * Parish Council had no objection.
Councillor Abel asked whether the Council had seen the application for the flats on the site of the former Three Tuns Public House as he was concerned about the style of the building, particularly the roof. He was also concerned that the flats in the second phase on the car park on the riverside were not to be similarly constructed. It was confirmed both plans had been considered at the meeting held on 28 October 1999and that the Council raised no objections.
Councillor Abel requested that he be allowed to attend the Planning Committee meetings. It was confirmed that any Councillor or parishioner is entitled to attend but can take no part in the discussions. To facilitate this, committee meetings will in future be held in the main Meeting room and the applications put on display. Councillors can also inspect the plans when the Clerk’s office is open or by prior arrangement at other times.
Councillor Shinkins reported that a Statutory Notice relating to an application for a Vehicle Operators Licence at 45 Eastgate had been seen advertised in the Lincolnshire Free Press. Although this is in itself is not a planning issue, it was resolved by 8 votes to 1 to refer the matter to the Chair of the Planning Committee and obtain advice from the Planning Authority as to whether a change of use of the property was required.
7 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
The following accounts were presented and approved for payment:
£
Mrs J Kemp 518.48
L.C.C. 136.67
- Pension contribution 116.67
- Playscheme Inspections 20.00
Garden Groomers 528.75
Branch Bros. 179.96
B.T. 134.24
Maltings Products 252.63
- Replacement ‘Ducks Crossing’ sign and cast
8 ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
Councillor Fisk advised members the hedge to the boundary with Linchfield Road was now much improved following the works carried out earlier in the year and that he intended to plant hawthorn in the remaining gaps.
It was unanimously agreed that the hedge should be cut three times by Wayne Huddlestone next year and that grass seed costing approximately £10 be raked in during the next few weeks to cover the bald patch created by years of overgrowth.
Councillor Fisk reported that the hedge to the northern boundary was also very overgrown and that the neighbouring farmer had offered to cut the top and the Council’s side at no charge to the Council. Councillor Anderson, echoed by Councillor Abel, was concerned about flailing this hedge and the possible damage to wildlife which may result. Councillors Shinkins and Stevens disagreed and believed that flailing was standard procedure. Councillor Anderson, seconded by Councillor Abel, proposed that the hedge be properly assessed for layering. Councillor Shinkins, seconded by Councillor Stevens, proposed an amendment that the hedge be cut by flail mower at no cost to the Council. The amendment received 7 votes to 3 against with 1 abstention. The amendment was then proposed as a substantive motion and carried by 8 votes to 3.
Councillor Fisk advised members of a meeting he had attended with Mr Allen of Sheepskin Hall Farm and Mr Bish of the National Farmers Union concerning paths in the vicinity of this farm. It was suggested that Footpaths 2 & 5 be extinguished and a new path created in their place, the advantage being that this path would be entirely headland and have a permanent 1.5m wide grass surface instead of cutting across open fields. The proposed route was considered by the Council but was generally felt to fall short in terms of distance when taking into consideration the length of the existing paths. It was resolved that a further meeting be arranged, with Councillors Anderson and Dilks to also attend, to discuss the matter further. In the meantime, the Clerk was instructed to obtain information concerning the procedures and costs involved.
Members considered the response from Inspector Fisher, which had been previously distributed, concerning future policing in the Manor Way area once the C.C.T.V. is fully operational and accepted his comments.
9 REPORTS
There were no reports.
10 PARISH PUMP
10.1 Councillor Abel requested the hedge by the telephone box on Church Street be removed to open up to prevent loiterers. Councillor Warrick agreed to raise this with the Church Hall Trustees, who own the land.
10.2 Councillor Abel reported that the Rubbish Collectors are throwing items of food donated to them by the Church Street Baker over his wall at 10 Church Street.
10.3 Councillor Shinkins reported that a willow tree near the Deepings School was overhanging the pavement causing pedestrians to walk in the road. This will be reported to the Highways Surveyor for attention.
10.4 Councillor Auger reported that a hawthorn tree on the public open space outside the Manor Way shops had died. Councillor Fisk agreed to replace this when the next batch of trees became available.
10.5 Councillor Abel noted that there had been no progress on the provision of an information board at The Cross. It was agreed to place this item on the agenda for the next meeting.
11 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There being no other business deemed to be of an urgent nature by the Chairman, the meeting was closed.